Kerugoya Hospital’s New Born Unit Celebrated for Cutting Neonatal Mortality
KERUGOYA, Kenya — Kerugoya General Hospital has been hailed for dramatically reducing neonatal mortality rates following the refurbishment and upgrading of its New Born Unit (NBU). The county hospital, which now treats and discharges approximately 200 infants annually, has seen infant deaths drop from 22% in 2013 to just 8%. The upgraded unit, equipped with modern incubators, CPAP machines, phototherapy devices, and other critical neonatal care equipment, is now recognized as one of the leading facilities in Kirinyaga County and serves patients from neighboring counties.
The New Born Unit provides specialized care for premature and ill infants, including those born with low birth weight, jaundice, infections, or post-surgical complications. With a capacity to accommodate up to 40 babies, the NBU integrates modern medical technologies and practices, such as Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), which allows mothers to bond with and nurture their infants through skin-to-skin contact and guided breastfeeding. The unit is staffed by a dedicated healthcare team comprising a pediatric doctor, medical officers, and nurses, ensuring round-the-clock monitoring and treatment. Mothers like Beatrice Wairimu, whose baby was born prematurely at just 660 grams, have praised the staff for their support and care, noting the remarkable progress of their infants under specialized supervision.
Governor Anne Waiguru emphasized that improving healthcare services remains a priority for her administration, with Kerugoya Hospital poised to become a regional wellness hub. The establishment of the NBU has reduced the need for expensive and time-consuming referrals to Kenyatta National Hospital, saving critical lives in the process. Nurse Nancy Mburu, NBU manager, highlighted that the most rewarding outcome for the staff is seeing babies discharged healthy and thriving, while mothers gain confidence in caring for their children. With continued investment and quality care, Kerugoya’s New Born Unit is setting a benchmark for neonatal healthcare in the region, offering hope for further reductions in preventable infant deaths.